AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, who is visiting Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa at the invitation of religious figures in the country, toured the Lady Zahra (a.s.) Cultural Complex in Abidjan. This complex was established in recent years through the efforts of the Al-Ghadir Society of Côte d’Ivoire.
While expressing appreciation for the activities carried out at the Lady Zahra (a.s.) Complex in Abidjan, Ayatollah Ramazani addressed its officials with several recommendations. “The Lady Zahra (a.s.) Complex is an active institution, but there are a few areas that require greater focus. Your top priority must be the youth and the proper upbringing of the younger generation. You should organize structured programs and educational and recreational camps for young people. You may even select a number of them to be sent to the holy shrines (in Iraq) for training. Outstanding individuals among these youth can pursue their master’s and doctoral studies in Iran.”
Emphasizing the importance of the family unit, he added, “Today, the enemies of Islam have devised schemes targeting our youth, families, and women. Therefore, we must be extremely vigilant regarding our children. We belong to an earlier generation, while they are the next. As such, due to cultural and social transformations, the discourse and language of each generation differ significantly.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly further noted, “Both Imam Khomeini (r.a.) and Imam Khamenei have emphasized the comprehensive introduction of the Infallible Imams (a.s.). In this regard, we must take inspiration from Imam Hussain (a.s.) and introduce him to the world. We believe that Imam Hussain (a.s.) serves as a role model for four groups: firstly, for Shiites; secondly, for all Muslims; thirdly, for the followers of all Abrahamic religions, since Imam Hussain (a.s.) called toward God, who is the central tenet of all Abrahamic teachings; and fourthly, for all of humanity.”
Further in the meeting, Hojat al-Islam Sharif Khairuddin, deputy imam of the Lady Zahra (a.s.) Complex in Abidjan, remarked on the public’s warm reception of the center. “Both Shiites and Sunnis attend the mosque of the Lady Zahra (a.s.) Complex. In fact, about one-fourth of the Friday prayer attendees are African Sunni Muslims. Since many of them do not speak Arabic, in addition to the Arabic sermon, a short sermon is also delivered in French during Friday prayers.”
He went on to explain that Lady Zahra (a.s.) Complex comprises not only a mosque but also a Hussainiya with a 1,600-person capacity, a conference hall, and a library. “Among the center’s regular events are ceremonies commemorating the births and martyrdoms of the AhlulBayt (a.s.). Weekly sessions for Dua Kumayl, Dua Nudba, and Dua Tawassul are also held. On special occasions like the Qadr Nights and the Day of Ashura, the number of attendees becomes so large that there is no more space left inside the complex, and many are forced to stand outside.”
He noted that Lady Zahra (a.s.) Complex organizes a blood donation campaign on the Day of Ashura, which has been well-received by Ivorian officials and media outlets.
The deputy imam of the complex also highlighted the presence of various active committees at the complex, including those for women and youth. “The center also has a scouting group with more than one thousand children and teenagers, both girls and boys, participating in various programs,” he concluded.
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